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Every September, National Preparedness Month serves as a vital reminder of the importance of readiness in the face of disasters and emergencies. As the frequency and intensity of natural disasters escalate, it’s increasingly important for individuals, communities, and organizations to be prepared. 2024 has already been marked by a series of catastrophic events, underscoring the need for comprehensive preparedness strategies. In this article, we’ll demonstrate the significance of preparedness, highlight key events from the past year, and provide actionable tips to ensure your team is ready.
The Growing Threat of Natural Disasters
2023 set alarming records for disaster-related damages and losses. According to the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), the United States experienced 28 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in 2023 alone, surpassing the previous annual record of 22 set in 2020. These events resulted in 492 fatalities and incurred costs exceeding $92.9 billion.
Globally, the picture is equally concerning. ReliefWeb reports that there were 399 disasters that affected 93 million people worldwide, causing over 86,473 deaths and economic losses totaling over US$202 billion.
The increasing frequency of heatwaves, devastating wildfires, and other natural disasters further emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive preparedness strategies. As climate change continues to exacerbate these trends, experts predict that the coming years will likely see even more extreme weather events and natural disasters.
The Increasing Frequency and Intensity of Disasters in 2024
In 2024, the world has continued to experience an alarming increase in both the frequency and severity of natural disasters. The rising impact of climate change is evident, as the United States alone has been struck by a record number of billion-dollar disasters this year. According to the NCEI, as of August 2024, the U.S. has already faced 19 distinct billion-dollar disasters, making it one of the most challenging years on record.
Notable Disasters in 2024
The following are some of the significant disasters that have occurred in 2024, highlighting the urgent need for preparedness:
- Hurricane Beryl: One of the most destructive hurricanes in recent history, Hurricane Beryl caused widespread devastation across the Caribbean and the southeastern United States. With sustained winds exceeding 150 mph, Beryl left a trail of destruction, displacing thousands of residents, resulting in over 60 fatalities, and causing billions in damages. Learn more about Hurricane Beryl and how EAF relief funds helped provide immediate aid.
- Wildfires: In 2024, wildfires have ravaged several parts of the world, including Canada, the United States, and Australia. The fires in the U.S. alone have burned at least 4.5 million acres already, forcing mass evacuations and causing extensive damage to communities and ecosystems.
- Severe Flooding: The year has also seen devastating floods in regions such as Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, and parts of the United States. In the U.S., catastrophic flooding in states like Kentucky and California has destroyed homes, infrastructure, and farmlands, causing billions of dollars in economic losses.
- Cyclones: India and the southeastern United States have been hit by powerful cyclones this year. These storms, with their strong winds and heavy rains, have caused widespread damage, particularly in coastal regions. For instance, Tropical Storm Remal resulted in over 50 deaths in India and Bangladesh.
- Earthquakes: Japan and Taiwan have both experienced significant earthquakes in 2024, leading to loss of life and severe damage to infrastructure. These events remind us of the importance of earthquake preparedness, particularly in seismically active regions.
The financial toll of these disasters has been staggering. The United States alone has incurred over $50 billion in damages from natural disasters in the first half of 2024. Globally, the economic losses from disasters in 2024 are projected to exceed $300 billion, a striking reminder of the need for preparedness and recovery plans. The impact is not just immediate but also long-term, as communities struggle to rebuild and recover from these devastating events.
Disaster Prep Tips for Individuals
Being prepared involves a series of steps that individuals, families, and organizations can follow:
- Make a Plan: Discuss with family and friends how you'll communicate during and after a disaster. Organizations should also have plans to support team members during emergencies. Update your plans based on the latest recommendations, especially in light of ongoing global events like the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Build a Kit: Assemble supplies to sustain everyone in your household for several days post-disaster. Consider the unique needs of each individual and pet.
- Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness: Understand the risks in your area and take measures to strengthen your home against common hazards. Regularly review your insurance coverage.
- Teach Youth About Preparedness: Engage with children about emergency preparedness, ensuring they know what to do if separated from family.
Disaster Prep Tips for Organizations
Organizations play a pivotal role in disaster preparedness, ensuring the safety of their employees and the continuity of operations:
- Know Your Risks: Conduct a risk assessment to identify potential emergencies and prioritize them based on impact and likelihood.
- Build a Response Team: Engage experts from various departments to create a comprehensive disaster response plan.
- Establish an Evacuation Plan: Designate primary and secondary evacuation routes. Ensure routes are well-lit, marked, and accessible.
- Establish a Relief Fund: In the aftermath of a disaster, a relief fund can support affected team members. Consider establishing a fund with Emergency Assistance Foundation (EAF) for quick and efficient financial assistance, ensuring support reaches those in need.
The integration of relief funds into an organization’s CSR and HR strategy will be essential in mitigating the human and economic toll of future disasters and hardships on employees.
How Establishing a Disaster Relief Fund With Emergency Assistance Foundation Will Help Provide Aid
If you’re interested in making sure your team members are taken care of, but are unsure about how to launch an employee relief fund, we’re here to help!
In the aftermath of severe weather, a disaster, or personal hardship, your organization needs the ability to help impacted team members rebuild and recover from the potentially devastating impact. A relief fund can boost morale and allow your employees to donate and contribute directly to the support of fellow team members. Establishing a relief fund can alleviate the stress that disasters and hardship put on those within your organization and allow them to stay focused on recovering from the event.
If your organization is interested in launching a relief fund, consider establishing a fund with EAF today. As a financial first responder, we’re resourceful and fearless in ensuring that financial assistance reaches individuals in need, no matter the unique circumstances involved.
By establishing a fund with us today, your organization can assist members of your team affected by natural disasters and other hardships. Relief fund grants can help impacted individuals pull through difficult times and start on the path toward recovery. If you’d like to learn more about how your organization can help your team during crises, you can review additional information about how a fund works or contact us today. We look forward to helping you make a difference for those who need it most!
